A Social Security Number (SSN) is required to earn wages, file taxes, and receive some types of government services in the U.S., such as from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Department of Water and Power (DWP)Private industries such as mobile phone retailers, banks, apartment management companies, etc. may also require that you have a SSN to utilize their services.

F-1 students and their F-2 dependent(s) who are currently not eligible for a SSN, but would like to obtain services from government agencies or private industries that require a SSN, can instead apply for a Social Security Denial (SSA-L676-Refusal to Process SSN). The Social Security Denial can be presented to such agencies to prove your ineligibility for a SSN and support that your ineligibility should not restrict you from obtaining such services. Follow the steps below to obtain a Social Security Denial:

Step 1: Submit a Social Security Denial Letter Request form to DCISS

Submit a Social Security Denial Letter Request form to DCISS (no appointment required). Your Social Security Denial Eligibility Letter will be ready for pick up 3 business days after the date of submission.

Step 2: Apply for a Social Security Denial (SSA-L676-Refusal to Process SSN) at the Social Security Administration